In 2012, researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University conducted an experiment at a North Carolina dishware manufacturing company, reports Inc. Magazine.
76 employees at the company participated in the study and were divided into three groups: 18 dog owners who brought their dogs to the office each day, 38 employees who owned dogs but did not bring them to the office, and 19 employees who did not own pets.
The level of cortisol, the stress hormone, of all participants was measured at the beginning of the day. While there were no significant differences in stress levels over the course of the day, the researchers found that the workers with their dogs had the lowest stress levels at all times during the work day.
Conversely, the most stressed group was found to be dog owners who left their pets at home.
The presence of the dogs also promoted communication and bonding among employees.
Those who were able to bring their dogs reported a sense of support and attentiveness from their company.
In addition, nearly half of those who brought their dogs reported increased productivity, while the others reported no significant difference in their daily work.
Source : Neonmag.fr